Increased Brix– Vineyards, Dan Haist,
Niagara Ontario
Dan Haist runs a 200 acre peach, sour cherry orchard and vineyard. Eighty tonnes of Spanish River Carbonatite™ was spring applied at 475 kg/acre. Five acres of new sour cherry trees were planted with 5 lbs of carbonatite per tree. Dan’s price for his grapes is based on sugar content. He has had a difficult time achieving desired levels. The main problem is his farm is situated outside the Niagara microclimate on gravel soils. After SRC application he observed improved vigor and greener foliage in orchards. Brix on grapes was the highest he has ever achieved. He has maintained brix that are now amongst the best in the Niagara region. Dan has now applied approximately 2 tons/acre since 2000 purchasing 500 tonnes over this period.
Spanish River Carbonatite Fortified Manure Free Compost
Pelee Island Winery
Pelee Island Winery and Vineyards has been utilizing SRC in their fertility program since 2003. At 550 acres, the Pelee vineyards comprise the largest private estate in Canada. The vines are grown to specifications strictly outlined by the World Wildlife Fund’s sustainable vineyard practice. In brief, this means limited and controlled pesticide spraying and use of a 100% island grown natural fertilizer, sorghum grass. The grass is grown with alfalfa and composted withSRC. Pelee Island Winery utilizes 350 tonnes of SRC yearly in composting and direct vin application. Applications of SRC have increased brix and mineral density of grapes. The utilization of SRC with compost also results in stimulating the soil food web this increases mineral availability from the fertile Pelee Island clay soils. AMP is currently in the final draft of detailed soil audit conducted at the vineyards. The purpose of the audit is to document the geological and mineralogical characteristics of this very unique landform and how this footprint results in production of very high quality wines. This report will also be included in a geological overview of wine growing regions of Ontario.
“As well as Pelee Island Winery AMP supplies SRC to a growing number of Niagara producers making Spanish River CarbonatiteTM the most widely used agromineral fertilizer in the Ontario wine industry.”